BristolToffee

The other factor to consider is the compatibility of our squad with that of the manager’s style. It was mentioned that Dyche doesn’t play with a number 10, which as we know is an area we have an abundance of. Therefore if he came on board, would he struggle due to not having the players who can deliver what he requires? I always thought a lot of Martinez’s views made a lot of sense (i.e. statistically you’re more likely to concede from a counter attack when taking a corner than actually score, therefore it’s better to take short corners and maintain possession in an attacking area rather than hit and hope a ball into the box) and wondered if a lot of his failures were down to the fact that the players he had were not capable of playing his system, rather than his system being the issue?

I’m leaning towards Big Sam. I remember reading an article about how people have him incorrectly labelled. People see him as a one trick pony, a long ball specialist who saves teams from relegation. This is certainly true in season one, but not so from there on. In season one he gets the job done. He gets the results needed to bring stability. From season two however he then starts adding more creativity, playing a more enjoyable style to watch. For example at Bolton he started bringing in the likes of Jay Jay Okocha, etc. He did the same at West Ham. The issue is with the last few clubs (Sunderland, Palace, etc) he has never had chance to show what happens in Season two onwards, so he is still seen as a one trick pony...

I would love Unsworth in charge. Imagine seeing a passionate manager on the sidelines, who the players want to play for. He’ll put his faith in youngsters, he’ll boost those low in confidence, a proper man-manager. The fans will be on board too. Stuff experience. Zidane hasn’t done too bad at Real and Pep did ok at Barca. Ancelotti is the big name, but for me doesn’t feel quite right.

He is very much a goal poacher. He plays best playing off someone else. Can't lead the line. Also has struggled against the more experienced centre backs where he gets 'roughed up'.

I wasn't initially excited, but the more upset the Southampton fans have got, the more I'm starting to think he will be a good appointment

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/everton-poised-confirm-new-manager-8127187

Seeing as the Koeman story is all being driven by Dutch journalists, I wonder what is really going on? I'm sure Koeman's agent is behind everything. Are we about to sign Koeman? Is this just a ploy to get Saints to give him a pay rise? Perhaps we're even behind it in order to get Emery signed up? Given the initial journalists incorrectly stated Koeman was on his way to Liverpool yesterday this could all be rubbish.

Which would you prefer: Monchi and Emery or Simeone?

According to the list above Simone is on £4.4m and Emery must be on less than £2.3m. Is Koeman really worth more than both of them? I'm suspicious...

I'm not against Unsworth, but can't see him getting the job. Whoever they want must currently be in a job, otherwise I don't think it would have dragged on this long. That said, who they want and who they get is a completely different matter. I'm not keen on any of those currently out of work.

6 years ago Frank De Boer had no club management experience, won titles in his first four seasons and is now favourite to manage us. The Echo today has asked 'why not Unsworth?' This is based on having Overmars as technical director to support him. Given the crazy last season where Mourinho couldn't buy a win and Leicester went from relegation certainties to champions, is there logic in the argument?

Given the managers that will be in the Premier next season, how tempted do you think Simeone would be to move over? Rumours are that Guizman (or however you say it) will be leaving this summer. Also don't Atletico have an 18 month transfer ban?

Just looked up Koeman's track record. Whilst he's doing a good job at Southampton, he seems to have struggled at a lot of previous clubs.

Isn't Stam his defensive coach as well?

I like the look of him. Perhaps this is RMs solution to drawing so many games - just find a way to score even more goals?

According to Wikipedia: El Hadji Baye Oumar Niasse (born 18 April 1990) is a Senegalese professional footballer who plays for Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow as a winger or striker. He is known for his pace, strength and high work rate. He has also been known to have an intimate relation with Everton F.C owner Bill Kenwright, the pair has previously shared a single bed during a night of passion in the Holiday Inn Express next to Speke Airport.

I'm desperate for RM to come good. I love the brand of football, his signings, his investment in youth, I'm just struggling to see how it will change. Besides the HK comparisons from the early 80's, perhaps this could give us some confidence: For the 1989–90 season, Ferguson further boosted his squad by paying large sums of money for midfielders Neil Webb, Mike Phelan and Paul Ince, as well as defender Gary Pallister and winger Danny Wallace. The season began well with a 4–1 win over defending champions Arsenal on the opening day, but United's league form quickly turned sour. In September, United suffered a humiliating 5–1 away defeat against fierce rivals Manchester City. Following this and an early season run of six defeats and two draws in eight games, a banner declaring "Three years of excuses and it's still crap ... ta-ra Fergie." was displayed at Old Trafford, and many journalists and supporters called for Ferguson to be sacked.[63][64] Ferguson later described December 1989 as "the darkest period [he had] ever suffered in the game", as United ended the decade just outside the relegation zone.[65][66]

I think we've got £25-30m to spend and RM is just trying to maximise value and so doesn't want other clubs to know. Assuming it is £30m and Lennon is £5m, that leaves £25m for the 3 positions. Had Shaqiri come on loan with right to buy we could have bought Austen and VD (Celtic) for £25m. likewise, if we signs Evans as a cheaper alternative to VD, we still have £20m for a number 10 and Austen. I think we're just negotiating hard to stretch our budget.

Sorry to ask a stupid question, what is it that Shaqiri would bring to our side? His natural position is on the wing, but I thought we wanted someone in the middle? Has he played in the middle before?

Bayern don't want him, Inter don't want him, Shalke don't want him... I know we're all desperate for a new number 10, but it's like he's the only one out there. We must have alternatives?

Martinez has just gone up in my rankings. Much better tactics than Moyes. Would be interesting to see what he would do with our squad.

Quick question: Is it possible for Everton to qualify for Europe this season?

As talented as he is and despite the fact that he offers more attacking threat than anybody else we currently have, I feel he causes too much disruption. Turning up late impacts on training tactics, etc. He didn't take the FA semi that seriously, otherwise he would have been on time. It can cause issues with team mates if it's one rule for one, etc.

Personally I would stick with Moyes. If he can get the team motivated before the Christmas party, then we would be pushing for a Champions League spot.